THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
T. FANNING AND W. LIPSCOMB, EDITORS
VOL. VII
NASHVILLE, OCTOBER, 1861
NO. 10
APOSTATES
BRO. BRENTS: – The summing up of the short comings of the ill-fated and self-doomed Collingsworth, is at hand.
The 63d Isa. breaks abruptly upon our vision. A strange vision rises rapidly before the prophet’s eye. A solitary warrior passes by him, moving in invisible strength, gorgeously attired, with the light of conquest playing on his brow, but his costume crimsoned with blood. He is challenged by the startled seer, “Who is this that comes from Edom, with dyed robes from Bosrah?” He, who is glorious in his apparel, journeying in the greatness of his strength. Wherefore, art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treads in the wine fat?
I have trod the wine press alone, and of the people there was none with me.
This sublime picture can be understood, by the aid of Heaven’s lamp lights, but how to understand the attributes and character of such men as Collingsworth, Ferguson, Russell, Pinkerton, and Shehalpe, is hard of solution! It is with them, as with the seven listed colors of the rainbow, it is difficult to tell where one color ends, and another begins. But, God is a Judge of colors, yea, of blended colors.
I have been identified with this reformation from its incipiency, and have…
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Noted liberally the movements of its tacticians. I have universally found that the bigot, the egotist, the vain, and the gold-lover make doubtful soldiers. Like many of our noiseful, clamorous patriots, if a fat position is offered them on the tented field, home and quiet life lose all their charms, but if not, they join the “home guards,” and bask in the sunshine of domestic felicities!
It will require an awful amount of “grace, all divine” to save such from the impending vengeance of insulted Heaven. There is one fact, I have chosen you twelve and one is a demon! If he, who knew what was in man, was thus imposed upon, in vain may his Zion expect to draw the gospel seine through the perturbed waters of life; and not enfold a few.
It is marvellous, wonderful, astonishing, surpassing credit, that when one of those champion bipeds misses the aim embodied in the premises of his church action, or forfeits his standing in the Christian body, he at once becomes so disgusted with C–ism, that he is in hurried haste to tell of this wonderful formalism! This device is to ask public prejudice to shield me from the just odium of my sins! Will Jas. “Ragan” testify as under oath, that he believes, that this Cumberlandism, which was begotten in ecclesiastic haste; and born in a religious whirlwind, on the bank of the Cumberland River, A. D. 1810, on Sugg’s Creek, is the same, identically with the old Jerusalem heir? If James swells or affirms to this, cut his acquaintance.
Of course, he has the right to shape his testimony, for “Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.” It is with false religion or party divinity, as with base money. All rely on the stamp. Stamp the creed Methodist—Baptist—Cumberland Presbyterian, etc., and the stamp alone must give it currency. False religion, and spurious money bate the scales, the crucible, the measures, the seals, and the true stamp.
It would be well for those doubtful men to remember, that life is a book of which they can have but one edition. As it is first prepared, it must stand forever. Let each day’s actions, as they add another page to the imperishable volume, be such, as that they should be willing to have an assembled world read it. As the new moon lifts her silvery disk to tell below what heavenly light gazes on above, so does thy holy bound illuminate my pathway to thy sacred, celestial court, where when I awake in the likeness of thy Son, my Lord, my joys will be eternal, and songs of praises never ending.
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Bro Brents, I am sorry to refer to this gloom-smitten; this “saddle bags case” as reported in the pamphlet! It was foreshadowed by Virgil; -Quid non mortalia pectora cogis;- Auri sacra Fames! Please let the implicate for himself. The love of the Father, [and the love of gold cannot reside caetaneous, in the same heart, no more than a pint of oil and a pint of water could reside harmoniously in a pint cup at the same time.
I noted the motive, that influenced the Indian to visit the hard-shell preacher. Red-skin wanted some of Ironside’s cider. He fixed his programme, called around to see the parson. And soon commenced reciting his only bible lesson – “Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” After reciting several times, the preacher asked Red-hide, “What he meant?” “I means cider!” If many of the ecclesiastics of this age do not mean cider, their works misguide public sentiments.
About those “types” referred to, if Collinsworth misapplied them, or mistook their legitimate use, he is not the first proclaimer who has misapplied types. “By their fruits ye shall know them.”
Dr. Brents, the church and state are your debtors for drawing this man from behind the screen. For, if, indeed, “he has stole the livery of Heaven to serve the Devil in,” it should be made manifest to all men.
J. A. BUTLER
REPORT FROM ARKANSAS
BROTHER FANNING: – I am yet at home from the neighborhood of my niece, and affectionate sister Lewis, who is a niece of the lamented John T. Johnson. She and her benevolent and intelligent “liege lord” reside in about twelve miles of me, on a most beautiful farm, lying on Old Town Ridge, in Phillips Co. These pleasant, and refined persons are specimens of Kentucky’s best productions. They are here as agriculturists. It is an oasis in life’s desert to meet and fraternize with the pure in heart.
In the same section dwell sister and brother Davidson, whose Christian integrity remains undimmed even in their isolated state. We hope to build up a congregation on that fertile soil, as soon as we can rear a comfortable meeting house; and I think this will be accomplished soon. Our congregations
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continue to increase, notwithstanding Caesar’s folly! Heaven is the only country free from the curses of war, and the conflict of arms, and those who take citizenship there, will bask in the sunshine of felicity, and drink into the songs of an eternal banquet away from the embattled fields of blood.
Mr. F., let us labor on, till the Amen of our day, and strive for that diadem of immortality, reserved for God’s sacramental hosts, on the other side of Jordan, where songs of praises will resound forever.
I must congratulate you upon the perpetuity of your college and the Advocate. This unnatural, fratricidal war has spread a death-dealing blight on the Literary Institutions of our once happy, but now distracted, severed and ruined country! The death rattles are in the throats of many of our Journals, both religious and political! The wheels of progress have been reversed, and are now rolling backward with an increased momentum. But, far above all, God reigns.
— J. A. BUTLER
GOOD REPORT FROM TENNESSEE
Bro. Fanning:— I see in the Advocate you request Evangelists to report their success good or bad to you. Herein, I give you a history of the labors of myself and Bro. John Nash, of Gibson Co. Bluff Spring Post Office. My school closed at Chesnut Bluff, Dyer Co. Tenn. about the 1st of June. I joined Bro. Nash and we have held some four meetings together; first at Antioch, Lauderdale Co. We spoke alternately 7 days, had one addition and left a deep and lively interest; thence to Double Bridges, three days, no additions. Next to Bells Station, we spoke several days in connection with Bro. A. R. Cook, had four additions. Bro. Nash and I left Bro. Cook at Bells and proceeded to Dresden, Weakly Co. where we spoke ten days and nights, result 23 additions; then we spoke twice at Phillippi, in Gibson Co. with two additions.
I am again at Bells, Bro. W. H. Goodloe, from Ala., is preaching with me. We will inform you of the result the Lord willing. The Lord be praised for the victory His Power has towards salvation. Bro. F., may we contend not against flesh and blood but against “spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Yours in hope,
Chesnut Bluffs, Tenn. 1861
JO. T. BROWN
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CO-OPERATION MEETING
DEAR BRETHREN:
Our Co-operation meeting at Corinth, Pike Co. closed last Lord’s day, having continued ten days. It was one of the most happy and triumphant meetings I ever attended, circumstances considered. The whole community was in motion. Military meetings were held almost every day within a few hundred yards of the meeting calling for volunteers, which kept the people much excited, but notwithstanding this, we had good audiences, and a clear demonstration that the gospel, when faithfully presented, is the power of God unto salvation.
The result was 24 accessions, 22 by confession and obedience, two of whom were Methodists, and two who had been immersed. We had the pleasure of having Bro. A. M. Dean, of Tennessee, who happened to fall in with us on his way to visit his friends in Tennessee. He preached two discourses for us on Lord’s day, and we were truly delighted with him. He has the happy art of presenting the gospel in its most simple form, and to the understanding of all. Brother Dean is neither a speculative nor political preacher, but preaches “the Word.”
We held a meeting embracing the fourth Lord’s day in June, at Lewisville, my former residence, and obtained two valuable accessions both from the Methodists, gaining addition in Clark Co. the first Lord’s day in this month, but our country is so torn and wrecked, we cannot do as much as we would like for our Master. I hope our brethren will be faithful to their high calling and not suffer the cause to languish; now is the time to do good, if the brethren will be faithful to God and their country. There is a proper position for Christians to occupy in a crisis like this if they will only do so. May the Lord direct us along the path of duty. Your position and advice to Christians in the present crisis is good. I hope we may all profit by it. The Advocate is the only religious paper we receive now; I hope it will continue to come.
As ever your Brother in Christ,
J. S. ROBERTSON.
We will endeavor to make the Advocate a more valuable paper than heretofore, and while we beg not any to subscribe, it seems to us much good might be accomplished by an extensive circulation of the work. What do the brethren say on the subject? We make no false showing of giving all above expenses to the cause. We never receive one cent for our labor in editing, and we are confident our purpose is…
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to do good.
We see no good reason why we should not support both a weekly and monthly paper in the south. We hope to deserve the patronage of the brethren generally, and we would be pleased to know that men of the world read the pleadings of the disciples for Christ and his Gospel.
T. F.
REPORT FROM GEORGIA
Dear Brethren:
I see by the last Advocate you ask the brethren to write and report success, &c. I am again in the field this year as State Evangelist.
All the first part of the year my feeble labors have been mostly preaching to the brotherhood, trying to prevent, as far as possible, apostasy in these evil days. I hope my efforts in this direction have not been in vain. In July our protracted meetings begin and I have attended three most wonderful meetings. Not so great on account of the great numbers added to the churches, but because of the good influence upon the brethren and communities around.
The first meeting at Berea, Henry Co., I preached 8 times, Bro. Fears once. We had four additions. The second meeting was in Calhoun Co. Ala. I had with me as co-laborer our good old Bro. W. Bacon of Dade Co, Geo. This meeting lasted five days and resulted in nine additions to the church. I then went to Clark Co. Geo. and had with me Bro. P. F. Lamar, as co-laborer. At this point we gained nine noble soldiers of the cross. Good citizens, good people. These were good meetings. The brotherhood much revived, much prejudice removed and a good impression made on the public mind.
I go again Friday, to begin another meeting at Fairburn, Geo. and then on and on from place to place. I never worked harder in my life, nor did I ever feel myself called upon to put forth all my energies in this glorious and best of all causes.
The political horizon is dark and the future ominous of evil. Iniquity abounds. The love of some waxing cold and now is the time for the true friends of Zion to work while it is day, lest the night come when no work can be done.
Yours, affectionately,
NATHAN W. SMITH
Acworth, Geo. Oct. 1861.
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CAN THE SHIP WEATHER THE STORM?
Amid the fury of the tempest, the lashing of the waves and the conflict of winds, the anxious thought of seamen is, can the ship weather the storm? His feeling of security depends upon different conditions. The vessel may be upon her first voyage, and now for the first time be encountering the dangers and hazards of the deep, but he may know that she is the workmanship of faithful builders, who have never turned off a faulty job. He feels sure that every bolt and brace and beam and stay and seam are made as secure as human power and ingenuity can make them, and with the assurance he feels that there is little danger.
If, however, added to this she is a ship that has already braved the fury of many a tempest, and passed safe through raging and angry seas, doubly strong and certain is the feeling of confidence that fills the heart, and with the calmest repose he awaits the conflict that is assured can but add new glory to the strength and endurance of his gallant vessel.
On the other hand, he may know that the workmanship has been unfaithfully performed—that decayed materials have been used and that the whole concern is utterly unseaworthy. How different now are the feelings of his heart, as he hears the low murmur that preludes the coming storm; and how fearful the anxiety with which he watches the thickening of the tempest in black and awful moodness, and how deep the feeling of hopeless despondency that sinks his heart within, as he beholds the rush of the waters, and the fury of the storm gather around him. He knows not what moment may be his last and how soon ruin may ride over all.
How is it with our ship, brethren and sisters? A fearful tempest is about her. Angry waves and raging winds, storm and hurricane thunder and lightning lash and roar and flash about her, and threaten to destroy her. Shall she be able to abide the storm, and come forth with masts and spars and sails and rudder and decks and come hull all sound, and not a seam, bolt or joint that shows signs of failure?
Whose workmanship is she is the first thought of the prudent? Who made her? Was he a faithful, honest workman, that made strong every part and used no decayed material? Did he under…
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Stand his business and had he ability to do good work? Need I say that ours is a Heaven-built ship, of no perishable stuff. The master builder was none other than the Son of God, with the universe at his command, and the work was no hired or contract job, but a labor of love, pure disinterested and faithful.
Have we not a right then to regard her as a staunch and seaworthy vessel, that can weather the wildest and fiercest storms? But again, she is no new untried craft. She has long been out at sea. Storms in all their fury have been about her, and has she yet ever lost a mast, had a sail torn, or sprung a leak? For eighteen hundred years, she has been exposed to fierce and angry tempests. Through seas of fire and blood, she has sailed. Mutinous and piratical crews have been aboard her. Traitors and deserters have been found among seamen, but soon they go overboard and she rides on secure and unharmed.
Who then shall say that this old ship cannot yet ride safe through the storm and weather all its rage? She is a noble and well tried and gallant ship, and many a freight of worthy heaven-bound souls has she borne in safety to the calm and peaceful haven of immortal rest.
Shall we now desert her after so many victorious voyages over the ocean of time? Shall we lose confidence in her in this hour of distress? This noble ship is ours, brothers and sisters, built and equipped of Heaven for our rescue. Do we fear to trust her?
Is the only question we have to ask. Have we confidence that she is still able to abide whatever danger may threaten her? Have we trust in her as the only safe transport of mortals? It is our privilege still to cling to the fortunes of this noble vessel and trust there our all, or we can prove deserters and give ourselves over to some construction of man’s feeble hands which shall prove the wreck of the first unpropitious gale.
Which shall we do? Let us beware of forsaking the ship that has borne so many in safety over the ocean of time. Let us rather, with hearts full of confidence, crowd about her, and realize more fully the power of that Heaven-given strength that guides her safe through every danger.
W. L.
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REPORT FROM BRO. J. T. BROWN
Dear Brethren: Since I reported from Bells Depot, I have received the Advocate for the first half of 1861. Please accept my thanks for the same. I have the pleasure to report as follows to you:
After writing, Bro. W. H. Goodloe and I spoke six or eight times and resulted in 5 more bowing to the authority of Jesus at Bells, and many of the enemy wounded by the “Sword of the Spirit.” From hence I posted to Antioch, 85 miles, began meeting Friday night, was joined by Bro. Nash on Sunday, and under very unfavorable circumstances, I (we being interrupted by the rain) had 3 additions to the army of the Most High. Leaving Bro. Nash and being joined by Bro. Goodloe, we went to Covington, spoke six days and nights in the Episcopal House. Had 1 addition from the Baptists, revived the spirits of the brotherhood at O. and agree to speak for them once a month. The Lord willing you may hear from me after the 1st Lord’s day in Oct. at Evan’s Creek Camp Meeting, I being solicited to attend it. May we fight the good fight and lay hold of eternal life.
JO. T. BROWN
Chesnut Bluff, Sept. 1861.
SUCCESS OF THE CAUSE
Dear Brethren: I furnish you with a brief report of the success of my labor in the vineyard of our Lord, during the present summer. I have been laboring mainly in the counties of Williamson and Maury. I cannot at this time give you a full account from the beginning of the year, embracing the 2nd Lord’s day of July, Bro. T. W. Brents and I held a meeting at Thompson’s Station, the result of which was 8 additions, considering the war excitement, the people listened with a good degree of interest. The 4th Lord’s day I went to Knob Creek, preached three or four discourses to attentive audiences, which resulted in one addition to the army of the faithful.
First Lord’s day and Saturday before, I met Bro. E. G. Sewell, at Beech Grove, Maury Co., where we held a meeting of several days, resulting in nine additions. From thence we went to South Harpeth, embracing 2 Lord’s day.
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Where we had fine audiences, resulting in 4 additions; from thence I went for the 3rd Lord’s day to Sycamore Mills, in Cheatham Co., in company with Bro. F. H. Davis, where we continued till Tuesday, resulting in 9 additions. From this point, Bro. Davis returned home, and I went to Coopertown, in Robertson county, on a visit to my relatives. I preached one discourse to quite an attentive audience. At this point we have no brethren, but it is a good point for labor; much good might be done at this point.
On Saturday, I returned to the brethren’s meeting house below Sycamore Mills, near Bro. Adam Brinkley’s, met with Bro. S. P. Nicks; preached Saturday and Lord’s day, had 2 additions. From thence I arrived at home yesterday evening found all well.
While our nation is in great excitement and confusion in consequence of the existing war, we have much to encourage us to faithfulness. Let us not be disheartened, brethren, but labor earnestly, for we have the assurance in our Father’s word, that the kingdom of his Son shall triumph, and finally break in pieces all human government.
Your Bro. in Christ,
R. B. TRIMBLE
Leiper’s Fork, Aug. 1, 1861.
REPORT FROM THE MOUNTAIN DISTRICT IN TENN.
Dear Brethren:
I see a request in the Advocate for preachers to report their labors in the Gospel. And I propose to write you a few lines. I am still devoting all my time to preaching the gospel of Christ. But the war excitement is so great that I sometimes get almost disheartened, but then I remember that we are laboring for an immortal crown, and that “our light afflictions which are but for a moment, are working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
I am encouraged to battle on in the cause of my Master, and labor to obtain the salvation of my own soul, and that of my fellow beings. And I thank God that I find some amid the exciting scenes who are willing to obey the Gospel. Since the opening of spring under my labors there have been added to the church:
- At Philadelphia: 6
- At Woodbury: 16
- At Newhope: 4
- At McMinnville: 6
- On Hills Creek: 1
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by confession and baptism, besides a goodly number by recommendation.
I am pleased with your position in reference to the war. You shall hear from me often.
Yours in the one hope.
J. L. SEWELL
Warren County, Ten. 1861.
REPORT FROM E. G. SEWELL
DEAR BRETHREN:
I have been laboring this year as Evangelist in several counties of Middle Tennessee. Owing to the great political and war excitements, we have not been able to excite any very general interest in the cause of Christianity. There have been, however, several additions at the different points where we have labored during the year.
At a meeting of several days continuance, which we held with the congregation at Pisgah, Bedford County, embracing the third Lord’s day in April, there were nine additions to the good cause, and the brethren and sisters seemed much encouraged in their “work of faith and labor of love.”
Also at a meeting held with the congregation at Stewarts Creek, Rutherford County, embracing the third Lord’s days in July, the first part of which we were assisted by Bro. David Lipscomb, there were twelve additions, which was quite encouraging to the little band of disciples there. If the brethren and sisters of that congregation continue to labor faithfully in the Lord’s cause, we are satisfied there will yet be much good accomplished in that community.
Again, at a meeting we held with the congregation at Beech Grove, Maury County, in connection with Bro. R. B. Trimble, embracing the first Lord’s day of August, there were nine additions. Besides these, there have been, at other meetings we have attended during the year, at different places, sometimes in connection with other preaching brethren, some ten or twelve additions.
The congregations generally, where we have been this year, are meeting on the first day of the week, though in some instances, some falling off in point of numbers at the weekly meetings perhaps on account of the war excitement. But it occurs to us, that in trying times like these, the Lord’s people should be the more earnestly devoted to his cause. We have endeavored not to enter into the excitements of the day, feeling assured that we as an
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Individual, could do far more for humanity by preaching Christ and him crucified.
Ohl that the brethren and sisters everywhere would be truly devoted to the Lord.
E. G. SEWELL
Owen’s Station, Aug. 1861.
SUCCESS OF THE CAUSE
Our readers will please notice that notwithstanding our perils, many are turning to the Lord, and many of the saints are growing stronger in the Lord.
We are much encouraged to persevere in the Father’s instructions.
In due time we shall reap if we faint not.
DEAR BRETHREN:
On Tuesday preceding the 4th Lord’s day in August, Bro. M. Wilson and I commenced a meeting at Cub Creek, Henderson county, Ten., which continued ten days, resulting in ten additions—seven immersions and three from other denominations. Four weeks previous, Bro. C. Brannon in company with Bro. Belts, closed a meeting at the same place, with four additions.
The gospel continues to advance; and supersede error.
Yours in the common cause,
Dresden, Ten. 1861.
W. G. MURPHY.
DEAR BRETHREN:
It was my good pleasure in company with Bro. M. Wilson, to commence a meeting in Como, Henry county, Ten. on Saturday morning preceding the third Lord’s day in September, which continued until the evening of the fourth Lord’s day, resulting in the organization of a congregation consisting of twenty members. Five who had been immersed by our brethren, eleven from the Baptists, and four immersions. Deep interest was manifested by both believers and worldlings, many of whom had never heard one of our brethren preach.
Our meeting ceased, not for lack of interest on the part of the audience for “the harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers few.”
“Let us pray the Father that He may send laborers into the harvest.” It is a consoling thought, that while temporal affairs are so embarrassing, people still give attention to the things of the eternal world. So may the gospel in its unadulterated purity ever prevail until all shall come in the unity of the Spirit, and the bonds of peace.
Yours in the one cause,
W. G. MURPHY.
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REPORT FROM BRO. HOLMES
Dear Brethren:
I set down this morning to write you some of the news in our section. I am holding a meeting at this place. We have had some 8 additions up to this time, and the prospect is very good for others. We have had fine success at Cageville, this year; all things considered, we have increased near 30 members at this place and Bell’s Station. I have had good meetings at Lamasarnac, in Dyer county, 12 or 13 additions at that place. I held a meeting the first of August, at Bro. Dantall’s in Obion, with some success. At Masons Grove, the brethren are firm, but we have 6 or 8 additions; Treutoo 1, all things considered, the brethren have done better than we could expect.
We have not gone off entirely with the great excitement of the day, but in the main they are quiet and will be but a remnant. We preach peace by Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, and endeavor to maintain the Christian character, if possible, so I labor in this. We will preserve the gospel; we see that sectarians have gone to the world folly in the spirit of the war; but Christians must keep themselves pure. With the present prospect, I think that I will be able to do some good in our section. Bros. Cook and Brown are laboring with fine success. Bro. Nash is a good speaker, and has good success. Take all our forces in the west end of the State, I think we are holding our own very well, with the war to contend with. Bros. Cook, Brown, and Goodloe are at Covington at this time. I look for some one of them tonight and our meeting will go on all the week; we have fine and attentive hearings. My whole effort is to hold the church in her proper position; if we can succeed for a few months longer, I think all will be safe.
As ever your Brother in Christ,
JAMES HOLMES
REPORT FROM ANTIOCH
Dear Brethren:
At the instance of the congregation of Christians meeting at Antioch, Lauderdale County, Tennessee, you are requested to give publicity, through the Advocate, to the fact that at the meeting of the Brotherhood on Saturday, before the 1st Lord’s day in September, Bro. A. J. Carter, from whom the church withdrew their fellowship in August, 1800, was received into fellowship after making the ac…
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Acknowledgments satisfactory and asking forgiveness of the brethren. Bro. Carter was Evangelist of the church of Christ, and the congregation wish it to be made known that he, being restored to their confidence, is heartily received to his former position. I spoke for the brethren on Saturday night, also on Lord’s day morning. Sister Nannie Carter (his wife) also united with the congregation, she formerly having obtained a letter of commendation.
Bro. F. If a Bro. is overtaken in a fault and is withdrawn from, and afterwards confesses his sin and asks pardon—should he be received or not? (Yes. T. F.) What more is required? Please answer. The congregation for whom I labor are learning to meet the 1st day, to observe the institutions of the Lord’s house.
Your bro. in Christ,
JO. T. BROWN
Chestnut Bluff, Ten. Sept. 1861.
CONSULTATION MEETING OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE
Members of fifteen or more congregations in Middle Tennessee assembled at Leipers Fork or Hillsboro’ meeting house, in Williamson county, Tennessee, Oct. 1st, and continued their religious exercises, discussions, and consultations till after October 6th, 1861. We consider the meeting a most profitable one.
More seriousness prevailed and more earnest religious feeling than we have generally witnessed. The reports of the Evangelists evince a degree of improvement far beyond our anticipations. The preachers all agreed that the people generally, whether in or out of the army, were disposed to respect the preaching of the Gospel. Large accessions have been made to the cause, but best of all, the fact that all the churches reported, observed the weekly ordinances.
The next meeting is appointed at Franklin, for May 1862, and should we be spared to attend, we hope to meet more brethren than ever attended a similar meeting in Tennessee. We are more than satisfied that meetings for consultation and social and religious intercourse are of immense value to those who attend. Brethren who live alone, travel alone, consult with no one, and associate not with others in like calling, labor under serious embarrassments. A few days’ free interchange of thought will improve brethren more than months of failure.
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If we are not very much mistaken, the brethren and churches that have been encouraging our consultation meetings have advanced beyond all others in the state. Why may not such meetings be called in each division of the state, and in every section of our vast country in which a sufficient number can be found to mutually aid each other in their counsels?
T. F.
PRESIDENT ELDER W. D. CARNES IN THE FIELD
We are glad to learn that the brethren at the recent Co-operation and Consultation meeting in Williamson, determine to encourage our brother Carnes, during our school embarrassments on account of these war times, to carry the message of peace amongst the Lord’s enemies. Brother Carnes will likely visit several of the churches in West Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and possibly in Arkansas, Texas, and Georgia. His purpose is:
- To preach the Gospel;
- To encourage the brethren to unite their efforts in all our labors for good;
- To set forth our contemplated Educational plans should we ever have peace, and do all in his power to advance the cause of the Master.
Wherever he travels, we trust the Disciples will not forget his immediate wants. He is no money beggar, such as have mainly explored the Confederate States heretofore, but no one can work without a subsistence.
Brother Carnes will act as general agent for the Gospel Advocate. These times teach us that we must work together if we would achieve anything valuable, and should our people ever look again to others for educational or preaching talent, we hope they will sell themselves, at the first bid, to the nearest power that will take charge of them, and forever admit their utter incompetency to act for themselves.
T. F.
EVANGELISTS
In addition to the laborers in the vineyard of the Lord in Tennessee, whose names we mentioned in a previous number, we are glad
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to state that, Brethren Thomas Stalker, of Hartsville, Isaac C. Sewell, of Readyville, Bro. Lee, of Maury, and Andrew Leitz, of Spencer, have been performing valuable service this year. We hope our brethren who are not reported in the Gospel Advocate, will not hesitate to let their brethren know something of their field of labor and their success, in capturing the King’s enemies.
Write brethren.
SET NOT A SNARE FOR THYSELF
Bro. Funning, – I was amused at reading the communication of certain Brethren in the September Number of the Advocate, on an article of yours in the July Number.
Politicians ought to be sharp enough when fixing a trap for an adversary not to be caught in it themselves – not use an argument which will recoil on themselves: or more feelingly speaking, not to give an adversary a stick to break their own heads with. Let us try them by the standard they have made and by the rule given.
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” – Read Romans 13:1-8.
These Brethren say, “the higher power,” “the powers that be” are civic Rulers, and are “Ministers of God to thee for good.” Granted – and now let us see how the rule works.
Who were the “higher powers” in our Government? Why certainly the President, his Cabinet, and the National Congress. Did these Brethren subject themselves to their power? I guess they did not. Did they thereby resist the ordinance of God? Certainly they did, for they were “the Ministers of God to them for good.”
Oh, but they say, or may say, “The higher powers” with us are the Rulers and Governors in the South! Very well. Let us try it by this rule. Who then are “the higher powers” with our Christian Brethren in the North? Why certainly the Rulers and Governors in the Northern States. And are they too “God’s Ministers to them for good? Certainly, or the people up there have no “Ministers” at all.
The argument proves too much, and consequently by a good rule of logic, proves nothing. You may take either horn of the dilemma, and escape is impossible. “The higher powers,” are civic officers in the Government, according to the declaration of the Brethren, and under the United States Government.
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Argument:
Abe Lincoln—and all his Abolition Governors in the Northern States, were just as much God’s Ministers to the people for good as were the Governors in the Southern States—and our Brethren at the North who resist the former, resist the ordinance of God, as much as the Brethren at the South who resist the Rulers and Governors in the South. They are as much bound to obey the 13th chapter of Romans as we are, and are alike subject to their Rulers.
According to the argument of the three Brethren, no Christian man could ever be justified in resisting “the powers that be,” for they are God’s Ministers. Our Revolutionary Fathers resisted—rebelled against “the higher powers,” and consequently resisted the ordinance of God according to their rule. Our Brethren at the North are called on by “the higher powers” to cut our throats—and we at the South are called on by “the higher powers” to cut their throats; and all too by “the Ministers of God” to them, and to us, for good! Oh shame, where is thy blush?
Such is the unfortunate condition of those who do not rightly divide, and apply the word of truth.
Brethren, earnestly desire the sincere milk of the Word that you may grow thereby. The grown can only digest strong meat. May God protect and preserve his people.
DISCIPLE.
GOOD NEWS:
On Friday before the first Sunday in September, our beloved brother, W. T. LEE and the writer, commenced a meeting at Spring Grove, Maury county, Tennessee, and continued for several days. We had large congregations than I have seen at any place in Tennessee. The people seemed determined to obey the Lord, and therefore, gave the very best attention. The result of the meeting was forty (40) additions. Thirty-eight by confession and two by letter. The young Christians were of as good families as any in that community. I never saw less excitement in a meeting where so many obeyed; many met us at the water and there demanded immersion. Brother LEE did good work. He preached the Word in a very plain style, not with man’s word, but with words of the Spirit’s teaching. Brother JAMES LOCK spoke twice, and as usual, with telling effect. The brethren for the past three years have been meeting every Lord’s day, and have had many additions before this meeting. If the brethren of all the…
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Congregational Meetings
Congregations in Tennessee would meet and worship as the Lord directs; all would soon go well. Elder JAMES BROWNLOW, non-resurrection, our regular “John the Baptist,” was at a meeting of necessity, the meeting-houses being close together, and he needed hearers. Of course, we preached sooner, giving him the choice to preach to the people. He did so, but made no impression since we were all natural men, and he says such cannot understand him. He challenged us to prove a thing that the Lord says is true, and we of course accepted.
He has lost nearly all of his sheep, and unless he feeds better than usual, I judge they will soon die or stray off. We shared the hospitalities, however, of some of his flock and were most kindly cared for. The brethren have nothing to fear in that neighborhood, only themselves. Obey the Lord, brethren, and all is well. We make this report for the encouragement of the Christians. Give all honor and glory to God through the Son.
Brethren send such men as brothers LEI and LOCK into the field; they will work for their Master in a manner acceptable to him—plain, honest, earnest, candid, and God-fearing men will do more for the good cause than any other class of men. Pretty speeches, nice words, with self-approbation in view and the tone of popularity, never did, nor ever will, convert people to the truth. Let the people know that the Lord designs to bless them in obedience and to reject them in disobedience, and most of them will turn. We need all the preachers in the field. Will the brethren send out more? There are others who will work if called.
J. K. SPEER
Report on Success
Brothers JARMOLING and WPOCOMB: It has been some time since I reported any success in the best of all causes, though I have been laboring all I could in my feeble manner, and not without success. At the different points I have labored, there have been about sixty additions to the good cause since my last, mostly in Jackson and Putnam counties.
Though I am grieved to see some of the brethren throw down the sword of the Spirit and take up carnal weapons; indeed, some few have gone so far that, in order to suit their present position, Matthew 5:9 should read, “Cursed is the peacemakers, for they shall be called enemies to their country.” Hence, they refuse to bear a brother preach that will not conform to engage in the pious work of taking the life he can never give. May the Lord pity them.
My heart’s desire and prayer to God is that I (by the favor of God) may be enabled to enlist many.
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Volunteers or soldiers to fight the battles of the Lord of Hosts. I occasionally receive a number of the Advocates; it really is a feast to the soul. We have no mail, and don’t receive the Advocate regularly; one editorial in June number, “Waters in Heaven and Earth,” which ought to be in the heads and hearts of every Disciple. Brethren, let nothing turn us aside from the work of the Lord, and great will be our reward in Heaven. Now is truly a time to try men’s souls, but he that holds out to the end shall be saved.
Bagdad, Tenn., Aug. 24, 1861.
E. M. Lovelady.
Dear Brother Farming:
It is with much sorrow for the living and hope for the departed, that I announce the death of our highly esteemed and much beloved brother, James Adams, who departed this life by typhoid fever on the 4th of August, aged thirty-nine years and seven months. The subject of the above united with the Christian Church at Griffin, Georgia, and was immersed the 2nd Lord’s day in August, 1851. Bro. Adams with other brethren from the Church at Griffin were organized as a congregation, ten miles north of Griffin, on the 18th of November, 1854, Dr. Daniel Rook, State Evangelist, officiating.
As the organization brother Adams was chosen and ordained one of the Deacons of said Church, which is known as Berea.
It is due the departed to say, that from the time he enlisted in the Christian race, to the day of his death, he lived an exemplary Christian life, beloved and esteemed by all his brethren and honored and respected by the community in which he lived. Yet, how hard to see one so amiable and excellent, taken away in the prime of life, and that too when seemingly most needed by his family; his oldest children just at the time of life when they most need his counsel and example. He left a devoted wife and seven interesting children to mourn their irreparable loss. His wife and two oldest children are members of the Christian Church, and I pray God that the others as they come to years of accountability may also become the disciples of Jesus Christ.
In the departed the Church has lost one of its main pillars, the community one of its best citizens, the family and relatives one of their truest friends, the poor, one who was ever ready to extend to them a helping hand. But he is gone, no more to meet with us at the Lord’s House, to unite with us in singing the songs of Zion, no more to meet with us around the table of the Lord to partake with us of the memorials of the dying Jesus. But we should not sorrow for him; as for one…
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for whom we had no hope; but let us pray, that the Father of mercies may afford all the consolations promised to his bereaved and distressed family and relatives and to us his sorrowful brethren in the Lord. And may Heaven give us all grace so to live that we may meet him in that city where God’s own hand shall wipe all tears from our eyes, where there shall be no more pain, no more death, no more separation, but where all shall realize nothing but love and joy and the bliss of Heaven, and that forever and ever.
W. S. F.
Henry County, Georgia, Sept. 14, 1861.
At a Cooperation (First Division)
commenced and held at Antioch, Independence County, Arkansas, on Saturday, 31st day of August, A. D., 1851, the house was called to order. Singing and prayer by brother John M. Lemmons. Brother Wm. B. Treat was called to the Chair and brother Z. W. Vincil was chosen Secretary; and brother U. E. Port Assistant.
After which, the Chairman made a few appropriate remarks, showing the necessity and utility of the different Congregations cooperating together.
After which, a letter from the Congregation at Mount Pleasant, White County, was presented by brother Jesse Wilkes, which was read; they express a desire for the labors of brethren Lemmons, Treat or some other able Minister for the ensuing year; amount subscribed by them for the support of an Evangelist $60.25.
Brother Thomas Gray presented a letter from the Congregation at Stuep Bank, Lawrence County, Arkansas, which was read; said Congregation prays that an Evangelist be sent them the ensuing year, and promise to do all they can toward the support of one.
No letter was put in by the Congregation at Antioch, but they expressed a desire, through Elder Wm. Soward, to cooperate with the other Congregation in this district, and pledged themselves to raise $40.00, to support an Evangelist the ensuing year.
Brother Duffham handed in no letter from Blue Spring Congregation, but gave assurance that they would assist all they could in support of an Evangelist.
Brother Thompson M. Lemmons, from Hubble’s Creek Congregation, Randolph County, gave assurance that it was the desire of that Congregation to cooperate, and would render all the assistance they could to procure the services of an Evangelist the ensuing year.
Brother Stout reported three organized Congregations numbering…
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in all about seventy-five members, but said he had not had any consultation with them as to their desire for cooperation.
On motion, it was unanimously agreed (the 2d Division concurring) that brethren J. M. Lemmons and W. B. F. Treat should travel and labor together the ensuing year as Evangelists.
On motion, it was further agreed, that next co-operation meeting should be held with the Congregation in Big Bottom, commencing Friday before the first Lord’s day in September, 1862.
On motion, it is the request of the co-operation, that the proceedings of this meeting be forwarded to brother T. Fanning, Editor of the Gospel Advocate for publication.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
Prayer by W. B. Treat.
Z. W. VINCIL, Secretary.
THE SEQUACHEE AND GEORGIA CO-OPERATION
Assembled at Union Meeting House, Dade county, Georgia, on Saturday, 14th day of September, 1861.
The Co-operation called Elder O. J. Baker to the Chair and Elder Jas. S. Harrow, Secretary.
The delegates from the different Congregations were then called for. The following brethren reported themselves as delegates from Union Congregation:
- Wm. Cartwright
- Calvin Law
- Leroy Sutton
Liberty: Joel Cross.
Rock Spring: D. H. Woodley.
Island Creek: Daniel Well and P. H. Newby.
Santa: J. L. French.
Garden Hill: E. J. Howard and Jas. S. Hamou.
Thurman’s Creek: John L. Stand.
Smyrna: By Proxy, Elder M. Love.
Philadelphia: O. S. Baker and B. S. Rutledge.
New Bethel Congregation upon application, was attached to this Co-operation, and reported the names of Joseph Wheeler and A. C. Borden as delegates.
On motion, the Co-operation called Elders W. Bacon and M. Love to labor as Evangelists the ensuing year, assigning to Elder Bacon Lookout Valley, Walker county, Georgia, and Calhoun county, Alabama. To Elder Love, Jackson county Alabama, and Sequachee Valley.
The delegates reported the following number of members in their respective Congregations, viz:
| Congregation | Members |
|---|---|
| Union | 90 |
| Liberty | 48 |
| Santa | 17 |
| Thurman’s Creek | 53 |
| Philadelphia | 56 |
| Rock Spring | 150 |
| Island Creek | 31 |
| Gardner | 17 |
| Smyrna | Not reported |
| New Bethel | 125 |
Our Evangelist, Elder M. Love, reports 153 additions, four new…
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Congregations, viz.: Garden Hill, Thumann’s Creek, Island Creek, and Santa, during the past year’s labor.
On motion, the Co-operation requests each Congregation to report their membership, their delegates, to our next Co-operation.
On motion, Elders Love and Bacon were appointed to attend the East Tennessee and Georgia Co-operation, commencing Friday, before the 4th Lord’s day, in Spring Creek, McMinn County, Tennessee.
On motion, our mixed Co-operation will be united at Rocky Spring, Jackson County, Alabama, commencing on Friday, before the 3rd Lord’s day in September, 186~.
On motion, the proceedings of this Co-operation were ordered to be published in the Gospel Advocate and the Sycamore Herald. Adjourned.
O. J. BAKER, Chairman
Brother Fanning: I take this occasion of addressing you. I wish you to give me some light on a few hard questions, or rather such as appear to me. I have been a disciple for the last five years, and have been as studious as the nature of circumstances would permit, and I find the more I learn the more there is to be learned. Yet some of our practice looks to be inconsistent with our teaching. Whether I am right or wrong I want you to declare.
- First: We teach that there are two kingdoms on earth. One the Kingdom or church of Jesus Christ. The other the kingdom of the World, and that we are either in the one or the other. No half-way ground. And the line between the two is the obedience of faith. The whole law of pardon and not a part of which immersion is the transition act. And those that have not been immersed have not come out of the kingdom of the World. They have not crossed the line and have not put on Christ. They are out of the kingdom or church of Christ, and of course, are yet in the kingdom of darkness, not born again, of Water and the Spirit, and we teach and believe that none of the early Christians were Pædo Baptists, and that they are of modern origin, and build upon the sand. We believe and teach that the Lord’s table was prepared for the Lord’s people, and none others; in all this, we are agreed, I believe. Then how can we consistently receive them at the Lord’s table or commune with them in…
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their churches? Are we not saying by our actions that we don’t believe what we teach? We say and teach that those sprinkled or poured in infancy, or as adults are not baptized at all. Hence they have not crossed the line, they are out of the church of Christ and yet in the world, of course.
Then would we commune with the world or have the world commune with us, or set the table for the world or the church or for both that might feel themselves inclined to partake? Do we not condemn the Methodist in the sharpest terms for this? Should we not pluck the beam from our own eye that we may see how to remove the mote from our brother’s eye?
Now brother FANNING, what I want to know is, how you or we can harmonize our faith and teaching with our practice and our practice with the Bible and with the practice of the church at Jerusalem, and if we cannot reconcile it why not stop it at once? Should we court and obey the popular will rather than adhere to the practice of the Apostles?
I think I can anticipate your answer: That is, let every man examine himself and so let him eat. But this cannot be a general invitation, but a special, that is to the members or disciples of Christ and not to the world. Then why should we receive unbaptized or people of the world?
Now for another matter that I don’t understand and can’t reconcile. We take the premise that God in his word means what he says and says what he means; strictly dividing the word of truth, &c. We believe that baptism is for the remission of sins. Because the word of the Lord says so.
Well, with the same reasoning, how can or do we rightly divide the word of truth, to avoid the doctrine of Transubstantiation, while the declarations for one is equally positive and plain as the other? We say the sects lack faith in the word of the Lord, as regards baptism for the remission of sins; while the Catholics turn on us with the same club.
Paul says to his Corinthian brethren, except ye eat the flesh of the son of man and drink his blood ye have no eternal life in you. Also, the word says, the bread is his flesh indeed and the wine his blood, &c. Now do we make baptism identical, and the bread and wine mere representations of the things proposed?
I wish to know the views on those subjects if you please, as they are the hardest things to reconcile.
Yours, in the good hope,
R. O. HARRIS.
Ingleside, Corpus Christi Bay Texas, Aug. 24, ’61.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
REPLY TO BROTHER R.O. HARRIS
We feel confident the disciples of Jesus Christ are not generally understood with reference to what is usually called open and close communion. Paul directed the sanctified, the washed and saved, to examine themselves, and so partake. Such anciently as heartily believed the Gospel, renounced all sin, were immersed in the name of Christ for the remission of sins; and then, lived the lives of Christians, were honored with the privilege of breaking bread and drinking wine in memory of the Savior. None but such have a right to the Lord’s table yet, and whoever recognizes the denominations, by eating with them, acts without divine authority. Many of the members of the parties fear God, but their churches are recent and unauthorized institutions, not to be countenanced by those who are for Christ.
Regarding the transubstantiation question, we would respectfully suggest that we have to determine by the rules at our command, what is literal and what is metaphorical language. There can be no figure in the words “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved” but the words “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have no life in you” are not literal. We suppose no Romanist is such a fool as to imagine he eats and drinks the real flesh and blood of God’s Son, but the language is as nearly literal as the words “washed in his blood.” There is no use in attempting to instruct any people doubting the force of both literal and figurative language. But whether these statements are true or false, whoever eats the bread and drinks the wine, discerning the Lord’s body, eats the flesh and drinks the blood of the Son of man in the ideal sense intended by Paul.
Dear Brethren: I rejoice at the straight forward course you, brother Franklin, brother McGarvey, and many of our other good brethren are taking in the political strife and confusion of our country. When I turn to Ephesians the 6th and hear Paul saying, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” I ask myself what does it all mean? Are Christians in perpetual warfare? Paul again says, “For this reason take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand therefore, having…
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“your loins girt about with truth.” (Ye brethren, we should keep the truth close to us, speak it all times,) “and having on the breastplate of righteousness”—(do right and that will serve as an armor for the breast.) “And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace;” (walk as the Gospel directs.) “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” (Believe all that God hath said and we need not fear the claws of the enemy.) “And take the helmet of salvation,” or as the Apostle says in first Thessalonians, 5, 8, “and for a helmet the hope of salvation.” Expect and desire that the Lord will save us in believing and doing what he has commanded us, this will serve as an armor for the head. “And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
My brothers and sisters, let us never forget to pray for each other, and not only for one another, but for all men, “for kings, and all that are in authority; that we may lead quiet and peaceable lives, in all godliness and honesty.” While we are thus equipped with the whole armor of God we fear no evil. Though wicked men may kill these bodies, the Savior told the twelve Apostles, to “fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” We will do likewise. Again, the Lord said by the mouth of his prophet, Isaiah, “Hearken unto me ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their reviling.” Isaiah, 51:7. The Lord will still be with the righteous; and we may boldly say “The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” O, I that each soldier of the Cross, both male and female, may take the whole armor of God and fight faithfully and valiantly until we shall have conquered the last enemy.
NANCY J. HARDISON
Murray Co., Tenn., Aug. 13, ’61.
THE WORLD PRAYING FOR THE SPIRIT, AND J. A. BUTLER’S REPORT.
Dear F.—When your kind letter reached my table, I was enveloped in fever, which embargoed me fourteen weeks! I ran the wheels of mortality on the lines of death!
Paul’s lesson, 2 Cor. 4: 17-18 vs, is full of solace.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
Having been brought up to active life, and never having studied “inglorious past,” I was blessed with a Corsican constitution. I have never used tobacco nor ardent spirits in any of their forms; therefore, my constitution has suffered no ills from these evils.
But, during the past summer, I worked my strength in the Gospel field. How through God’s mercies and the use of means, administered by my skillful, sympathetic, and ever attentive physician, Dr. Gray, and the kind and vigilant attentions of my family and philanthropic neighbors, I am able to hold the pen that makes these molds. I am yet very feeble. This attack was the hardest spell of my life.
Brothers Jas. Robinson and Treat have recently won the consent of 17 to Messiah’s cause, and brothers Tool and P. D. Robinson. Ark lacks only a full corps of laborers, and the field would be ours. I don’t mean preachers that resemble the little prairie animal, of the gopher species, which has a Northern and Southern end to his hole, so that in sultry weather, when it is desirable to raise the wind, if it blows North he opens the South end of his burrow; and when South, the North end; and beside the advantage of changing his position to suit the wind, such an arrangement, in case of permit, is very convenient for the purpose of dodging responsibility. Some preachers have a Gospel and Sectarian (I let and I’ll let) “And they shift with changing times!” Such men will infold the popular breeze in their sails, if they sink ship and cargo!
The Methodists are at their old work here. “Praying for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and fire!” Asking the alarmed to the old-time bench! “And pronouncing pardon upon those that get through, and extending six months grace or trial, to the more tardy!” These are curious lessons coming from men who profess to have read their Bible! Jer. 28. These preachers handle the Scripture as unscrupulously as if it were left there, by God, to perfect its structure.
The ancients tell the story of a painter who wished to please everybody; and having put his picture in the public part of the city, with a brush at hand, he left directions for everyone to make such alterations in the painting as pleased himself. When the artist returned, he found the picture in such a state, by touching and retouching, that he did not know it! And though the Apostles did not hang up the old Jerusalem picture, the original Gospel, to be thus abused, yet, the “skilled and learned” have treated the great portrait of Christianity as though God had licensed them to alter it, each according to his own creed! Not so, however. Paul said to the Galatians, “I marvel that ye are so soon…”
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Removed to another Gospel.” Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the Gospel of Christ. But though an Angel from Heaven, preach any other Gospel unto you than that which we (Apostles) have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
Gal. 1. 1 Cor. 15.
He says, curse even Angels, who preach substitutes! Where did the Apostles preach about the baptism of sinners in the Holy Spirit? Or the mourner’s bench as a substitute for baptism? Or of six months trial? Here I am asked: “If I believe, that God will hold men to account for making void the Law of the Lord by their traditions?” As well ask me to say, that Paul lied!
What preachers have done in the Apostacy is answered by the history of uninspired divinity. They have manufactured terms; they have worked upon words; they have constructed syllogisms; they have measured creeds; they have forged a “lathemas”; and have explained away, or denied facts and principles as incontrovertibly found in the Bible, as earthquakes and electricity are found in natural philosophy. Their whole intellectual conduct presents a lamentable and blamable contrast to the noble simplicity, and sublime honesty, of the sacred writers! Deny this who can.
Let me say to those Spiritual baptizers of modern date, that where the Word is not, there the converting presence and the saving influence of the Holy Spirit are not. The constant presence and permanence of the power of the Spirit are in the Word of Truth. This influence is present in the Christian, and in the Church, only as the Spirit’s Word, the fixed shrine of the Holy Spirit, is possessed by them in purity.
“If ye love me,” says Christ to his disciples, “keep my commandments: And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him, but ye know him, and he shall be in you.”
John 14:16-18.
Now, Mr. Preacher, Christ says the world cannot receive the Spirit, and every time you tell poor sinners that they can, you contradict Christ! Christ commanded the Gospel to be preached, saying, “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believeth not shall be damned.”
Mark 16:15.
Whatever pretends to the influence and presence of the Holy Spirit when the Word is an impostor, and I can prove it from the plain teaching of the Bible. What say you? Did you ever read: “Preach the Word?” Then why preach the Spirit stripped of the Word? In fine, why preach the traditions of men, in the neglect of the Gospel, and then quarrel with Hume, Volney?
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Payne, and Owen for opposing the Bible. While they opposed portions of it, you, with as much scepticism oppose other portions; and wherefore, are you better than they? No wonder, that we have infidels thick as dust around us! For infidels make infidels, and there is a general conspiracy against the Bible. In my next, I will round nearer to the Port. Please read Joel 2, John 14, 15, 16, chapters. Acts 2, 10 and 11 chaps.
J. A. BUTLER
OBITUARIES
Sister Missouri A. Stephens, died at Marietta Paper Mills, at the residence of her husband, John Stephens, aged 25 years, 1 month and 26 days. She was baptized in Sept. 1855, being sick but a few days, she bore her sufferings with great patience, and she was willing to die. She left strong testimony that it is good to serve the Lord, being asked by a lady if she wanted some one to pray for her, she replied no, and being asked why, she said with calmness, “Let the living pray for themselves.” She has left an infant daughter to share the loss of a kind mother.
HARRIET A. BARFIELD
Fulton County, Geo. 1861.
DIED
At the old residence of her father, (Johnson Vaughan,) 8 miles South of Nashville, Tennessee, of typhoid fever, sister Margaret A. Horn, consort of brother James B. Horn. She was born October 5th, 1833, was married May 4th, 1855, and died September 12th, 1861, leaving a kind husband and three children, (two little girls and one infant son, two months old,) to suffer the loss of a good wife and a kind and affectionate mother, also numerous friends and relations to mourn the loss of one much loved by all of her acquaintance. She had been a pious member of the Christian Church for more than ten or twelve years. She died as she had lived, firm in the hope of the Gospel; (eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ,) therefore we should not sorrow as those who have no hope, for those who sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. May the protecting care and blessings of a kind and merciful God attend the bereaved husband and his dear little children through life, is the sincere prayer of the writer.
W. R. HOOTEN
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
Brothers Fanning & Liscomb:
The messenger of death has again visited our little congregation, and our beloved brother in the Gospel, Dr. W. E. Matthews, is no more. He passed away on Wednesday, August 7th, at 9 a.m., in the 56th year of his age.
For several years he had been gradually declining in health and strength under the slow but sure and fatal approaches of that most insidious of all diseases, Pulmonary Consumption. As is usual in such cases, both himself and his friends, until very recently entertained some hopes of his recovery. But notwithstanding these hopes, brother Matthews had prepared himself for the worst. He said that he was not afraid to die, that he had been preparing for this during the greater part of his life, and that for three years he had been looking death in the face almost daily; and although he desired to live a few years longer, if he could regain his health, that he might be useful to his family and friends, yet he was resigned to the will of God, and felt ready to depart whenever the summons should come.
A few days before his death, though very feeble, and suffering much, he sat up and sang with a distinct utterance the entire hymn, “I would not live always.” On the day before his death, he said to his wife, “there is a mansion for you and for me in the Father’s house above.” As his spirit was struggling to be free, he said to his family, all of whom were standing around his bed, “don’t let me die without a kiss.” These were the last words he uttered, and they exhibit the deep and undying affection which he cherished for his wife and children. They all embraced him, and in a few moments, without a groan or struggle, he calmly fell asleep in that Saviour whom he had entrusted throughout life, and who forsook him not in the hour of death.
Thus passed away one of the purest and loveliest spirits I ever knew, one of the best and greatest of men. Never did I feel so powerfully the words of the prophet: “Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last days be like his.”
Brother Matthews was one of the pioneers of the “Current Reformation” in the Southern part of this State where he resided several years and planted many congregations. He was also one of the first laborers in this and adjoining counties; having planted, and for many years faithfully warned and instructed the congregation in which he died. His whole life was a living epistle, read and known by all who knew him; which clearly manifested the beauty and power of the Gospel when received into an honest and understanding heart. By his many manly and Christian virtues he had greatly endeared himself to a large circle of brethren and friends who will deeply regret…
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Will not some brother who is well acquainted with his life and labors write a tribute worthy of his memory? I suggest brother Dr. PHA.RIS, of Newtonia Union. As the veterans of the Cross are passing away, may God raise up others to take their place.
In Faith, Hope, and Love,
B. F. MANIRE.
FRANKLIN ACADEMY, Carroll co., Miss, Aug. 16, 1861.
We call special attention to the essays of brother B. EASTMAN in regard to the man of sin. We were just upon the eve, in obedience to the earnest request of several excellent brethren, who were present, of preparing for publication a discourse delivered by us at our recent co-operation meeting with reference to the great battle between Michael and his hosts and the Dragon, when we read the communication. We consider the remarks of our brother well calculated to excite interest in every inquiring mind, and we hope ere long to give the matter more attention. The strifes and revolutions of the world cannot be without meaning.
T. F.
WHO IS THE MAN OF SIN?
ANSWERED BY B. EASTMAN, HEMPSTEAD, TEXAS
No. 1
Brother Humming: Having just finished a work of four hundred pages on type and autotype of the Bible, in which this subject necessarily came up, I will only give a few extracts, or a brief skeleton of my views on this subject. They are entirely too long for your paper, but you can make such extracts as you may deem advisable. I hesitate much in giving them, for if assailed, I have no way of giving my full reasons and proofs why I entertained them. I have for the last seven years been patiently investigating prophecies, desiring to be useful, and willing to suffer all things for Christ’s sake. I hasten to submit a few brief thoughts on this subject.
But to your question: “Who is the man of sin?”
2 Thess. chapter iii, 12.
First: It is a tyrannical, anti-christian power, that should arise in the church, or temple of God, exceedingly corrupting the doctrine of Christ and greatly opposing his faithful servants. But now to the facts of the…
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The Bible and history must settle this matter. Opinions and speculations settle nothing. 1st Paul says, “That man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition,” “and then shall that wicked be revealed” – Lawless one. 1 Thess. ii, 3, 8: “I considered the horns, and, behold there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots:” “and another shall subdue three kings.” Dan. 7: 8, 11: “And I stood upon the sand of the sea and saw a beast rise up out of the sea.” Rev. ch. 13, 1: “And I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored beast;” Rev. ch. 17, 3. I shall not stop to prove that Lawless one, horned beast and woman, refer to a power, kingdom, government, &c., that should arise. This I believe will readily be admitted.
We will now turn to history to see if such a power did arise that fitted up all these prophetic characteristics. The embryotic state of the central kingdom of Italy, or present circle of the Ecclesiastical States arose by gifts and crafts, and not by the force of its own arms. Even back as far as 321, Constantine permitted his subjects to donate their property to the Holy Catholic Church. Houses, farms, cities and produce, were frequently donated. The donation of the Exarchate of Ravenna was among the first fruits under the conquests of Pepin. In this grant were included Ravenna, Bologna and Ferrara. This was paid by Pepin for the remission of his sins and the salvation of his soul. The present line of Popes were to the present Pope, Pius IX, has governed the province of Rome himself and the other provinces by Legates and vice-Legates chosen by himself.
Second: This power plucked up three of the “ten kings,” “toes,” (kingdoms) into which the Roman government was broken, by the sounding of the first four trumpets. The kingdom of Heruli under Odoacer, the Ostrogoths under Theodoric, and the Lombards under Alboin, were humbled – Bible – or plucked up by the Popes. But we must attend to some other minutiae which more immediately identify the wild beast. “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred three score and six.” The term “mark” and “number” are the data by which to arrive at the name. The word “mark” is used eight times, and the word “number” four times in reference to the beast. The mark and number (x. e. s.) given by John, is the number 566. Again, it is the name of a man; the letters being numerals make the sum. The king and founder of the Latin empire was Lateinos, v 30, a 1, 300, 85, i 10, n 50, o 10, s 200, added make 666.
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The word Rometb, also, in the Hebrew, makes the same number. So far back as the days of Irenaeus, A. D. 190, it was supposed that Latinos was the name, and the kingdom which he formed would constitute the beast. Subsequently, most of the writers on this subject, and among others, G. T. Fa.ber, B. D., says,
“The ten-horned beast whose name is declared to contain the number 666, is certainly the temporal Roman Empire.”
Of this Empire, the second founder was Romulus, but its real founder was Latinos, the ancient king of Latium; hence when the Roman Empire was divided into ten kingdoms by setting up a spiritual tyranny in the Church, it has been distinguished by the title of Papacy Roman Empire.
Here then we have a name which completely answers in every respect to the Apocalyptic name of the beast. Latinos is at once the name of a man and the title of an Empire, and a distinguishing appellation of every individual in that Empire. When the sum of its numerical letters is taken in the Greek language—the language in which the Apocalypse is written, and in which, therefore, the calculation ought evidently to be made—it will amount precisely to 666.
But what has she done?
- First: “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, sheweth himself that he is God.” (2 Thess. 2, 6)
- “And he shall speak great words against the Most High.” (Dan. 7, 26)
He styles himself the “supreme head of the church,” “successor of Peter,” “Prince of the Apostles,” “Vicar of Christ,” and “Lord God the Pope.”
- Second: “He shall also stand up against the Prince of princes.” (Dan. 8, 25)
- “And he shall think to change times and laws, and they shall be given into his hand.” (Dan. 8, 24)
- “Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women.” (Dan. 9, 31)
Paul speaking of such “giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines concerning demons, forbidding to marry.” (1 Tim. 4, 1-3)
He has made void the government of God and of Christ in the Christian Church, and the government of the civil magistrate in the State, by arrogating to themselves the whole spiritual authority which belongs to Christ, and all the temporal authority belonging to princes and magistrates.
He it is that changed the simple bread and wine into the real body, flesh, and blood of the Lord Jesus. He it is that changed the worship of God into the adoration of saints, images, and relics. He it is that changed the right of Christian immersion into aspersion. He it is that instituted feasts and fasts, celibacy, episcopacy, councils, creeds, and traditions.